The doors of the NFL open for a Montreal-born receiver

Québécois pass-catcher Damien Alford takes the next step in his career, signing with the New Orleans Saints after a year in the CFL.

At the age of 24, the Calgary Stampeders member achieves a goal he's been dreaming of for several years, finally getting the opportunity to compete with the best players on the planet in the NFL. The Journal de Montréal was the first to report the news.

Alford's transition to the south of the continent is no accident. Since the end of his season with Calgary in November, the Montrealer has multiplied trials and meetings with various American organizations.

His first contact was with the Saints, who had already shown keen interest in his athletic profile. He took part in an evaluation session with the Louisiana team, but his name was also circulating elsewhere in the league.

At the same time, he went through a scouting session with the New York Jets, who wanted to get a better idea of his skills.

The Broncos, Browns, Bengals, and Chiefs were all keen to evaluate his potential in a more formal setting. However, despite this interest, his entourage chose to focus discussions on New Orleans, believing it to be the best environment for him to carve out a lasting place in the NFL.

A career marked by perseverance

This new commitment also marks a return to the United States for Alford. Prior to his move to Canadian professional football, he had played in the American university system, first with the Syracuse Orange between 2020 and 2023, then with the Utah Utes in 2024. This experience enabled him to make a name for himself south of the border, even though he was not selected in the 2025 draft.

True to his long-held ambition, he has never stopped believing in his chances of breaking into the NFL. His time in the CFL gave him an additional showcase for his skills, and his arrival with the Saints confirms that his hard work is paying off.

For him, this new chapter represents an opportunity to establish his worth in a highly competitive league and continue his ascent on the professional football scene.

This content was created with the help of AI.